The Constellation Technique

The North Star is another way of determining direction at night. The North Star forms part of the handle on the Little Dipper. It is sometimes difficult to locate the Little Dipper, so use the following technique to help you. In order to use this technique, you must be able to identify the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia. The Big Dipper and Cassiopeia are always opposite one another and rotate around the North Star.

1. Locate the two stars forming the outer lip of the Big Dipper.
2. Following the line these two stars create will point you to the North Star.
3. Cassiopeia looks like a sideways “W”. By drawing a straight line from the center star of this constellation, you will find the North Star.
4. After finding the North Star, draw a straight line from it to the earth. That will be north.

These techniques are tried and true, but do not take into account overcast days and nights when the sun, moon and stars are not visible. The following are a couple of ways to find direction on such days.

Tree Stump Technique

The following techniques are not as accurate and easy to determine, but in a survival situation, every piece of knowledge is critical. I was always told to look for the growth of moss on tree trunks to determine north. This technique is rather flawed. Moss often grows completely or nearly around a tree. This makes determining a direction a guess at best. The following is much more accurate.

1. Find some trees that either fell over or have been cut down.
2. Examine the stumps that are left.
3. Trees tend to grow more on the south side, towards the equator. This causes the growth rings to be wider on the south side.

The Slope Technique

If you are in a mountainous terrain, you may be able to tell the difference between north and south facing slopes. The north slopes receive less sun and are cooler and damper. They also retain snow for longer periods. The opposite is true of southerly facing slopes.